Phuket Police anti-drugs campaign targets kids

PHUKET: About 300 students yesterday began their first day of an “anti-drugs camp” as part of a new campaign by Phuket City police targeting youngsters.

The children, from schools throughout Phuket Town, gathered at Srinagarindra The Princess Mother School Phuket (or “Chalermprakiat School“) in Saphan Hin for the four-day camp, which ends on Thursday.

“Drug addiction is still a big problem in Phuket, and the problems caused by drugs have been continually increasing,” said Phuket City Police Superintendent Chote Chidchai.

“The age group of the people who become involved with drugs is 15-25, and 70 per cent of them are new drug users,” he added.

The most common drugs used in Phuket were amphetamines, ecstasy, crystal methamphetamine, marijuana and inhalants, among other types, he said.

“We are aware of the issues and understand that drug prevention among young people is very important. Drug prevention among youths can also help to avoid an epidemic of drug use in the future,” Col Chote added.

The camp project, launched under the name the Anti-drug Training Program for Youths of the year 2011 campaign, through a series of exercises and creative activities aims to educate youngsters about the dangers of drug use and how to avoid drugs.

The campaign is being held in conjunction with the Phuket Educational Service Area Office, Wichit Municipality, Rassada Municipality, the Fight Against Drugs Campaign Center of Phuket and other government agencies.

The campaign this year has drawn the attention of Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pekad Tantipong and Maj Gen Phison Junladilok, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 8, who were at the school yesterday to personally oversee the launch.

A second four-day drug camp for another 300 students will be held this weekend, from September 10-13, said Col Chote.

The school where the second camp will be held has yet to be decided, he added.

— Chaiyot Yongcharoenchai